A new £7 billion expressway linking Cambridge with Oxford and Milton Keynes “would boost the region’s economy by £160 billion a year”.

The call for the major road - which also includes plans for the the first new towns in 50 years along the route - has been put forward by The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) ahead of Chancellor Phillip Hammond's budget next week (November 22).

As well as improving road links between the two major cities and creating many more homes, the commission has also established an east-west rail link would massively boost the county's economy.

Describing the county as one of the "most important parts of the UK", the NIC said the region currently generates £90billion per year towards the national economy but this could increase to more than £250 billion a year with the changes.

Lord Adonis says the new "expressway" must be treated as a priority

That would mean an increase of more than £160 billion a year.

It is hoped the east-west rail link could be completed by 2030, with new and better road links.

'Groundbreaking'

New towns built along the line would also help address the region’s housing crisis.

Read More

Chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission Lord Adonis said: “The arc spanning Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford attracts the brightest and best from some of the most cutting edge industries.

"But the area also suffers from a lack of available homes and an infrastructure network that is feeling the strain – pricing local people out of the market, making it difficult for businesses to recruit staff, and threatening the future competitiveness of one of the most successful parts of the country."

Time to deliver on the 'huge promise' which our region offers

Lord Adonis continued: “A ground-breaking deal between ministers and local leaders could transform the area, helping to double the rate of housebuilding and deliver the first new towns this country has seen for half a century.

"With this one of the most economically important parts of the UK, it could add billions of pounds a year to the national economy.

“I urge local leaders to seize this opportunity and work together with Government, both for the benefit of their residents and of the country as a whole – all by delivering a million new homes and jobs by 2050, investing in improved road and rail links and protecting the area’s natural environment.”

Read More

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough James Palmer said: “By harnessing the potential of the Cambridge – Milton Keynes – Oxford arc we can deliver the new infrastructure, house building and jobs that the country and the people of our region need, and subsequently, adding billions of pounds to the local and national economy.

"Pushing forward the delivery of the East-West rail line is a major step towards seizing the opportunities for growth that this region offers.

Cllr James Palmer: time to deliver on the huge promise which our region offers (Image: David Johnson)

“This National Infrastructure Commission report signals the start of a ground-breaking relationship between central Government and local authorities, and the Combined Authority for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is committed to working alongside our partners and playing our part in delivering on the huge promise which our region offers.”

Read More

Lewis Herbert, leader of Cambridge City Council and former chairman of the Greater Cambridge Partnership (then City Deal) executive board, said a link that could cut journey times between three of the UK’s fastest growing cities would be welcomed.

“We have been working with the National Infrastructure Commission and they have a vital role because they have the ear of the treasury," he added.

"Via the Greater Cambridge Partnership, we have been working with them to link up with Milton Keynes and Oxford.

“We welcome the investment that will create stronger links between some of the fastest growing places in the country.”

You can keep up to date with all the latest news in and around Cambridge by downloading our free app.